Podcasts about Church Growth

Should Christians want America to be a Christian nation? For many believers, even asking the question feels uncomfortable.In this episode, we wrestle with why Christians who genuinely believe Christianity is true and good have become hesitant about its influence beyond our churches and personal lives. Have we accepted a privatized version of faith? Have we learned to compartmentalize Christianity? Have we become so accustomed to seeing Christianity through the eyes of its critics that we now apologize for wanting Christian values to influence society?There is a difference between coercing someone to believe and seeking to influence the world with what we believe is true and good. If Christianity really is good for humanity, why wouldn't we want more of its influence in the world?

Is the church still relevant in a post-Christendom world? Kurt Fredrickson returns to Spiritual Life and Leadership to talk about his new book, Compelled, and to make the case that the local church, done right, is still "a small working model of the kingdom of God." Markus Watson and Fredrickson talk about why so many congregations operate like machines built to produce bigger Sundays, and what it would take to tend them like gardens instead. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: The church is still relevant because it functions as a small working model of the kingdom of God. Eugene Peterson's definition: the church is "named people in particular places who practice a life of resurrection." Why the church of the 1950s can't simply be repeated in a post-Christendom, polarized culture. The garden-versus-machine metaphor on the cover of Compelled, and what it means to disrupt a congregation's system instead of engineering it. Deprofessionalizing the clergy: the provocative claim that professional clergy can become "the greatest impediment to the work of the church." Releasing the five-fold gifts of Ephesians so ministry isn't bottlenecked in the pastor's office. The isolation-plus-depletion-plus-conflict formula for how pastors get in trouble, and the ABCs (Abide, Breathe, Connect) for staying healthy. Kurt Fredrickson's own journey from twenty-four years pastoring a booming, machine-like congregation to asking, "would our community even miss us?" A story about a congregation that moved communion to the center of the room during a season of painful conflict. Why hospitality and the Lord's Table are the two disciplines Fredrickson considers essential for a missional community. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS: Kurt Fredrickson: Faculty bio Books mentioned: Compelled: Nurturing Local Missional Communities, by Kurt Fredrickson The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry, by Matthew Erickson and Winn Collier The Pastor as Midwife: Life-Giving Leadership for the Healing of the Church, by Shawna Songer Gaines The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, by Alan Kreider Related episodes: 103. Willingness to Adapt: The Church After Covid, with Kurt Fredrickson and Cameron Lee 313. Embodied Spirituality for Pastors and Leaders, with Mark Scandrette and Dave Kludt 314. Why Good Leaders Sometimes Make Their Churches Worse, with JR Woodward Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

What happens when the church's desire for growth becomes a form of idolatry? Andrew Root returns to Future Christian to discuss his new book, Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry. Root argues that churches across the theological spectrum have become captured by a logic of escalation: more people, more resources, more innovation, more relevance, more affirmation. The problem is that there is never a point when we can finally say, “Enough.” Drawing connections between the worship of Baal in the Old Testament, modern capitalism, and contemporary church growth, Loren and Andy explore what churches believe will actually save them. They discuss Root's categories of “techno-optimists” and “identitarians”—two groups that may appear opposed but can share the assumption that the church will survive if it can simply accumulate enough of the right kind of capital. Together they explore: When church growth becomes a form of idolatry Why churches struggle to ever say “enough” Techno-optimists, identitarians, and competing visions of church renewal Why money can function as more “real” than God in church decision-making The relationship between economic prosperity and American Protestantism Why the church keeps trying to recover its golden age Prayer, confession, and discerning where God is actually at work Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline, When Church Stops Working, and The Church After Innovation. Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies. Mentioned Resources:

By all means work. But always look to the Lord for the decisive, supernatural work needed to fulfill his purposes.

 In a world filled with competing voices, everyone is asking for our agreement. But what does it really mean to say “Amen”?In this episode, we look at Deuteronomy 27 and discover that “Amen” is more than a church word or a response to something we like. It represents alignment, agreement, and a willingness to live according to what has been spoken. From the voices shaping our culture to the desires and perspectives shaping our own lives, the real question is: Who gets our agreement?Discipleship means settling that question. Jesus doesn't simply ask us to believe in him. He calls us to align our lives with his way, his truth, and his Word. In every part and every place, our response must be: Amen.

What happens when church growth becomes more about bigger buildings, larger budgets, and better programs than making disciples who make disciples? In this episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Matthew Ellison and Ted Esler talk with Todd Wilson, founder of Exponential and author of How Did We Get Here?, about the 75-year evolution of the modern church growth movement.Todd explores how the American church shifted from gospel saturation and church multiplication toward a consumer-driven model—and why the future may belong to bivocational leaders, microchurches, everyday missionaries, and simple, reproducible disciple-making movements. This candid conversation challenges pastors and missions leaders to rethink how they measure success, mobilize believers, and prepare the next generation to lead.The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God's people to be a part of His mission.

In this episode, we discuss a recent news story surrounding abortion legislation in Massachusetts and use it as a starting point for a larger conversation: How should disciples of Jesus approach the issues shaping our culture?In a world where headlines quickly become political and emotional, followers of Jesus must learn to think and respond differently. Our convictions and responses should be shaped first by Scripture and our commitment to follow Jesus.We talk about what it means to view the topics of the day through the lens of discipleship, engage difficult cultural conversations with both truth and wisdom, and allow the way of Jesus to shape not only what we believe, but how we respond.

What happens when a healthy desire to see people come to Christ becomes an obsession with numbers, relevance, resources, and growth? Greg Davis visits with Dr. Andrew Root, author of Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry.Root draws a provocative connection between the Old Testament struggle with Baal worship in 1 and 2 Kings and the modern church's preoccupation with growth. He explains how the economic expansion of America, the rise of the modern church-growth movement, and the decline of Christianity's cultural influence have combined to create a powerful temptation: believing that “more” is what will save the church.The conversation explores Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, the danger of turning ministry into a numbers game, the difference between human striving and trusting God, and what genuine faithfulness and success might look like when the church stops measuring everything by growth.Is the church trying to build God's kingdom—or simply trying to survive? This thought-provoking conversation challenges pastors, church leaders, and believers to reconsider what it means to be faithful in an age obsessed with “more.”

Evangelist Dave Bycroft shares his lifelong ministry story — from a farm childhood and a dramatic healing to a calling at church camp, student ministry in Tyro, Kansas and leading growth that reached nearly 1,000 people. Dave also offers practical tips for ministers; home visits, handwritten notes, discipleship practices, preaching approaches, and the importance of a daily devotional life.

Entrepreneurial church leader Todd Wilson shares insights on the church growth movement and the importance of disciple making movements. Todd's journey from a nuclear engineer to a ministry leader highlights his passion for a discipleship church model.Todd discusses the historical context of the growth of the church, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional methods to a more sustainable church growth strategy. He argues that the focus should be on creating a discipleship church that fosters disciple making movements. Todd discusses the pitfalls of focusing solely on numbers in church growth, emphasizing the need for a shift towards discipleship and church planting. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by churches today, such as the reliance on programs that do not reproduce themselves. Todd suggests that a successful church growth strategy involves empowering individuals to become everyday missionaries, contributing to the growth of the church.Focus on creating a discipleship church environment.Encourage disciple making movements to ensure sustainable growth.Implement a church growth strategy that adapts to modern challenges.Practical steps include fostering a culture of mentorship and leadership development within the church. This approach not only supports the growth of the church but also aligns with the principles of disciple making movements.

What if you could see church growth coming before it actually arrives? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through three leading indicators that can predict future church health and growth, rather than simply reviewing what has already happened. They explain the difference between lag measures (like attendance) and lead measures, and show how tracking the right numbers gives church leaders real leverage to make smarter decisions. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting and coaching organization. Scott serves as a Vice President at the Malphurs Group and works closely with churches navigating revitalization, while A.J. brings a background in church health strategy and practical leadership coaching. Together they make complex ministry concepts accessible and actionable for pastors and church leaders at every stage. [5:11] Lead vs. Lag Measures: The Odometer vs. Speedometer Analogy [7:55] Introduction to the Three Leading Indicators [9:08] Indicator 1: Connection Cards and First-Time Guest Engagement [15:16] Indicator 2: Moving People from Large Gatherings to Small Groups [17:46] Indicator 3: Volunteer Engagement as a Predictor of Church Health Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/351 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

Janice Rosser Allen is CEO and President of International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), the global ministry founded by her father, Dois Rosser, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. She has served on ICM's Board of Directors since 1986 and has led the organization as CEO since 2008. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Duke University, Janice worked in clinical and academic oncology nursing before God called her into full-time ministry with ICM. Widowed at 51, she is an ordained elder, author of God in the Crossroads, and she's passionate about empowering indigenous Christian leaders worldwide.00:00 — Introduction: How ICM Is Growing the Global Church06:07 — Albert Schweitzer's Missionary Legacy and Radical Faith08:09 — Indigenous Missions: Why Local Church Leaders Matter11:46 — Cooperating with local, indigenous leadership in missions16:12 — How Technology Is Transforming Christian Missions18:07 — How Mission Organizations Vet Trusted Partners22:07 — What the Global Church Can Teach Western Christians29:37 — Powerful Mission Stories from Vietnam and Rwanda34:31 — American Christianity vs. the Global Church41:41 — Church Growth in Iran, Nepal, and Other Restricted Nations45:54 — Why Christianity Is Growing in Thailand47:03 — Prosperity Gospel and Persecution: Challenges Facing the Global Church50:08 — Building local churches with local workers and materials51:20 — Are Short-Term Mission Trips Helping or Hurting?56:56 — How You Can Support Indigenous MissionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a Text Message - include your name!In this episode of Faith Over Breakfast, Pastor Eric and Pastor Andy sit down to talk about retreats: why they are necessary, the guilt pastors can feel about taking one, and the pastor's role as a guide. They also give a quick baseball update and talk about AI-generated promotional content, and whether Eric may have taken things a little too far.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSupport"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support

The Perfect Church will be released by Christian Focus Publications at the end of this year. 

Why was there almost no emphasis on "church growth" before the 1970s, and how does the fixation on it for the last 40 years correspond with the American economy? Skye talks with Andrew Root about his new book, "Baal and the Gods of More," about the link between the modern church growth movement and ancient pagan fertility gods. A new report by Ryan Burge says that for decades those who left the church were turned off by partisan politics and the religious right, but that trend might be changing. Also this week, Brazil blames its poor performance in the World Cup on evangelicals, European evangelicals issue a statement, and an old theory about early Christianity and psychedelic mushrooms is back.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://holypost.substack.com/p/730-the-idolatry-of-church-growth?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true   Bonus Interview with Andrew Root: https://holypost.substack.com/p/why-churches-cant-stop-chasing-growth?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true   0:00 - Show Starts   4:07 - Theme Song   4:30 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   6:01 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!   7:03 - Was Jesus a Mushroom?   12:52 - Brazil Blames Evangelicals for Soccer Failure?   21:40 - Sponsor - Tyndale -  To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, Use code CURIOUS30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible! https://tyndale.com   22:44 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program   23:47 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org   24:20 - European Evangelicals   49:38 - Interview   54:32- Fertility Gods   1:02:09 - Capitalism and False Gods   1:18:26 - The Rise and Fall of American Growth   1:31:52 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment: Popular Science Posits Jesus was a Psychedelic Mushroom: https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/a69061008/god-sacred-mushroom-christianity-debate/   Did Evangelicals Ruin Brazil's Soccer Performance? https://religionnews.com/2026/07/17/some-world-cup-fans-are-blaming-brazils-loss-on-evangelicals/?utm_medium=social   European Evangelicals Differentiate from American Evangelicals: https://religionunplugged.com/news/european-evangelicals-draw-a-clear-distinction-from-their-american-counterparts?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/christianity   Other Resources: Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry (A Theological Critique of Modern Ministry Metrics and Success-Driven Strategies) by Andrew Root: https://a.co/d/0c0ijKLw   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

The Book of Acts is the pattern God has given you for the Church today. In this message, discover how the Holy Spirit prepares you for a mighty move of God through purity, boldness, visions, dreams, prophecy, signs, and wonders. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, He will empower you to live, speak, and minister with the same power seen in the early Church.The Holy Spirit - God's Secret for Church Growth | Prophet Ezekiah FrancisWatch in Englishhttps://youtube.com/live/Cmo20V5yZzUWatch in Tamil (தமிழ்) https://youtube.com/live/i8Shub0b7LwWatch in Hindi (हिंदी) https://youtube.com/live/LeEnt9AzEKsWatch in Telugu (తెలుగు) https://youtube.com/live/z6ndvYf7lzwWatch in Malayalam (മലയാളം) https://youtube.com/live/zVOWYozb2yYWatch in Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ)https://youtube.com/live/rqFbIm2qJsg

Is there a common starting point that helps people embrace a lifestyle of evangelism and disciple-making? Is it something that can be taught, or is it something that must first be formed in the heart?In this episode, Kris and Ken think out loud about one of the biggest challenges facing the church today: helping everyday believers move from believing the mission to actually living it. Rather than offering a formula, they explore the deeper questions behind missional living and wrestle with what truly creates lasting passion and personal ownership for the mission of Jesus.If you've ever wondered why some people naturally live on mission while others struggle to take the first step, this conversation is for you.

What should the Church do when God moves in extraordinary ways?From camp meetings and conferences to tent revivals and community evangelistic events, God continues to draw people to Himself through powerful moments of revival. We celebrate every person filled with the Holy Ghost, every baptism, every miracle, and every life transformed.But how should followers of Jesus think about these moments through the lens of the mission of the church?In this episode, Kris and Ken discuss the biblical value of mass evangelism, the encouragement and momentum it brings to the Church, and why revival and disciple-making are never competing priorities. Looking to the Book of Acts, they explore how extraordinary moments of revival and the everyday mission of making disciples have always belonged together.Because when revival comes to town, the mission doesn't pause—it moves forward.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast – Episode 383 Release Date: July 14, 2026   Why the Leadership Pipeline Is a Myth, and What Actually Works What if the most widely accepted strategy for developing leaders in your church or business is fundamentally broken? In this episode, Justin Forman sits down with Pastor David Ashcraft, former lead pastor of LCBC Church, which grew to 25 locations and 28,000 weekend attendees, now serving with the Global Leadership Network. David pulls no punches: the leadership pipeline is a myth. What replaces it is a culture, one that produces leaders from within, in real time. David draws on decades of experience scaling a church from 200 to 28,000 and overseeing 300 staff, 275 of whom were developed from within the congregation. His insights on leadership development, faith-work integration, and measuring fruit over process offer a roadmap for any pastor, entrepreneur, or marketplace leader serious about building something that lasts. Key Topics: Why the "leadership pipeline" model fails, and the culture-based alternative that actually works How LCBC grew from 200 to 28,000 people across 25 locations by developing leaders from within The "just-in-time training" principle: why proximity to application accelerates leader development The Global Leadership Summit: roughly 400,000 leaders across 1,120 sites worldwide, and why it bridges pastors and marketplace leaders Data vs. fruit: how to measure discipleship and leadership without falling into box-checking traps How business leaders and churches can learn from each other, and why ministry happens everywhere, not just on Sunday   Notable Quotes: “You can have the money, but if you don't have the leaders, you're not going anywhere.” — David Ashcraft   “The whole idea of the leadership pipeline is a myth. It tends to be almost more of a class or a course. If you go through enough courses, somehow you're going to come out on the other end a trained leader—and you've received training, but it doesn't make you a leader.” — David Ashcraft   “If you're a leader, people are going to be attracted to whoever the leader is.” — David Ashcraft   Guest Bio: David Ashcraft served for decades as the founding lead pastor of LCBC Church (Lives Changed By Christ) in Pennsylvania, scaling it from a church plant in 1991 to 25 locations serving 28,000 people every weekend, with 275 of 300 staff members developed from within the congregation. He now serves with the Global Leadership Network (GLN), which hosts the Global Leadership Summit, an annual event reaching approximately 400,000 leaders across 1,120 sites worldwide. GLN features speakers including Jim Collins, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Arthur Brooks, and Patrick Lencioni.

In this episode, Kris and Ken tackle one of Jesus' most challenging calls: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me."What does self-denial actually mean? Is Jesus calling us to misery, or to freedom? And why is this the essential first step of discipleship?They explore why a disciple is someone who lets Jesus change what they care about—and how surrendering self-rule transforms our priorities, our purpose, and ultimately our mission. Because until self is denied, self still decides what matters.

DescriptionA shift I am making in the podcast is NOT only to speak with speakers about the art and science of preaching, I am also looking to interview thought leaders ADJACENT to preaching and teaching. Well today, my guest Julianne Stanz, is both! She is a gift to the Church and I'm so grateful to get a chance today to hear beautiful stories from the heart of the Church: from her first time meeting Pope Leo to sharing what, in her opinion, has led to such growth in the Church, and also where ‘the puck is headed', if you will. Julianne Stanz is a storyteller, bestselling author, and encourager whose heart for ministry has inspired and equipped audiences across the globe. With more than two decades of distinguished service in church leadership, both nationally and internationally, she has partnered with dioceses, bishops, clergy, and lay leaders to advance the mission of the Church. She currently serves as the Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship at Loyola Press and as a consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), providing strategic guidance on evangelization, missionary discipleship, and pastoral leadership. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including her latest: The Catholic Parent's Survival Guide: How to Answer Your Children's Toughest Questions about Faith (all published by Loyola Press). Julianne is married to Wayne, a Catholic school teacher, and together they are raising three children.Check out Julianne's website right here: www.juliannestanz.comAnd here's the ink to her latest book, “Catholic Parents Survival Guide.” Check it out!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

Fast-growing churches don't necessarily impress us. More often than not, growth reveals the areas where churches are actually stuck. But every once in a while, we run into a church that is both growing and healthy. City Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has seen 51% year-over-year growth. But they've experienced more than a bump in attendance. They're seeing growth in groups, serve teams, discipleship, baptisms—you name it. And if you're leading a fast-growing church, you know how rare that is. In this episode, I sat down with Pastor Chris Freeman to talk about the remarkable growth story of City Church and how they managed to stay healthy through intentional decisions, leadership and strategic planning. The challenging reality of rapid growth Reaching the lost & discipling new believers The value of having leaders of leaders on your staff   This Episode is Sponsored by PlainJoe Studios Unlock the power of story in your worship space. The creative, passionate team at PlainJoe, a Storyland Studio, works with churches to create beautiful, engaging spaces that connect with your community. They're a team of architectural, design, and branding experts who transform worship spaces into attractive, engaging hubs for the community. Reach out to their team at PlainJoe.net and dream up the bright future of your church.    Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

In the 15th episode of Voice of the Harvest, discover the Five C's of church growth with Bro. Chapman and Bro. Sees. Learn how to move people from community to crowd, congregation, committed, and core with practical outreach, follow-up, and leadership development strategies that actually work.

"Grandma is on TikTok." And according to Pastor Chris Moore, she might just be the cheapest person your church can reach online.Most churches are completely ignoring TikTok, and according to Pastor Chris Moore, that's exactly why it's one of the cheapest and most fruitful places to reach new people right now.In this episode of the Build the Church Podcast, host Josh Roberie sits down with Chris Moore, ARC church planter, lead pastor of Valley Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and founder of Good and Faithful Studio. Chris pulls back the curtain on the TikTok ad strategies he's used to help churches reach their communities for a fraction of what they're spending on Facebook and Instagram, plus a few "gatekeeping secrets" he's never shared publicly before.If you're a pastor or ministry leader who feels behind on social media, this conversation will give you practical, doable next steps to get the word out about your church.In this episode, you'll learn: Why the cheapest audience to reach on TikTok is actually 50+ (yes, grandma is on TikTok) How Chris's TikTok ads performed 3x better than Meta, with "plan your visit" costs as low as $7 to $11 What makes a scroll-stopping church ad (and why over-producing it can hurt you) The simple daily ad budget sweet spot for the best return on investment Whether your church needs its own TikTok account or can just run ads Why a pastor's personal account often out-performs the church's account The Facebook group strategy Chris used to build an audience of 25,000+ people in his city Chris's wild journey from youth pastor, to selling bulldogs online, to digital marketingAbout our guest: Pastor Chris Moore is the lead pastor of Valley Church in Phoenix, AZ, and the founder of Good and Faithful Studio, a creative agency providing done-for-you social media, photo, and video for churches. He's also the creator of Blessed Babysitting, a new app helping churches and families book faith-aligned childcare.Good and Faithful Studio: https://goodandfaithful.studioResources mentioned in this episode: This episode is brought to you by Your Team Church, an online assessment that helps you place every volunteer where they thrive. Create your own branded assessment URL in seconds and give each person a one-of-one personality portrait. Take the test for free at https://yourteam.church/discPrefer to watch? Catch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rHwmKJevnxYIf this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with a pastor who needs it. Let's believe again for what God can do through your church.Support the show

From Olympic Dreams to Church Growth in Spain: How Jeff Arias Learned to Trust God What does it look like to spend decades building a successful career and then use everything you've learned to advance God's Kingdom? In this episode, Rob sits down with Jeff Arias, a bivocational minister serving in Madrid, Spain. Jeff shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Virginia, chasing Olympic skiing dreams in Colorado, becoming a disciple in 1986, building a successful business career, and eventually helping lead churches across Spain and Portugal. Jeff opens up about being fired from the ministry as a young man, rebuilding his life through perseverance and humility, working with Fisher-Price and Swimways, selling a successful company, and ultimately stepping into a self-supported ministry role in Europe. The conversation explores faith, business, leadership, retirement, greed, fasting, discipleship, and how Christians can make their lives count no matter their stage of life. In this episode you'll learn: • How Jeff became a Christian while attending the University of Colorado • The surprising acts of service that changed his heart • Lessons learned after being fired from ministry • How he built a successful business career • Why self-supported ministry is becoming increasingly important • The challenges and opportunities of ministry in Spain • How churches are growing across the Iberian Peninsula • Why fasting remains a powerful spiritual discipline • Practical advice for Christians preparing for retirement • How to keep your faith strong while building a career Whether you're a ministry leader, entrepreneur, retiree, or someone simply trying to stay faithful through different seasons of life, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Resources: Join the Fast for Revival: RobSkinner.com Books by Rob Skinner: The 10X Christian Before You Quit Connect with Rob: RobSkinner.com My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Our guest is TODD WILSON, longtime president of Exponential, one of the most influential church planting movements in America, and also the author of the new book How Did We Get Here?, a look back at the 70 year Church Growth movement in America. We discuss the history and timeline of the Church growth movement, why operating systems matter, leadership, succession, and so much more. Plus, check out the list of 20 Worship Leaders and Artists to to be aware of. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the full list and all the show notes. Share them with your team, repost the lists, and follow and subscribe. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: REGENT BANK - connect with the team at https://www.regent.bank/. Regent Bank is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country, uniquely positioned as a faith-based bank with a clear purpose: "To show God's love to employees, clients, and communities." Regent Bank stands out with both a dedicated prayer team and a specialized department focused exclusively on serving faith-based organizations, where all nonprofit clients are offered completely free banking services, along with highly competitive interest rates and access to specialized support across multiple financial areas. Find out more at http://regent.bank. And OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2026 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org.

In this episode, Dudley, Sam, and David explore why so many Christians feel weary, frustrated, and disconnected from the abundant life Jesus promised. Through honest conversation and biblical insight, they examine the difference between genuine spiritual life and religious performance, challenging common assumptions about what makes a church healthy and growing.They point to the Book of Acts and the example of the early church, as they discuss the relationship between life and structure, revealing why true Church Growth flows from the work of the Holy Spirit rather than programs, buildings, or strategies. Along the way, they unpack the tension of Grace vs Works, exposing the exhausting cycle of "try harder" Christianity and pointing believers back to the freedom found in Christ.The conversation also highlights the beauty of the New Testament Covenant, the reality of Sonship, and what it means to live as sons and daughters in the Kingdom of God rather than servants striving for approval.We pray this message will encourage, challenge, and transform.As always, we invite you to share it with someone who needs it.  Get Dudley's Weekly Word delivered right to your inbox every Friday! Click here to get access ➡️ https://dudleysweeklyword.com/opt-inFor more information and resources, visit https://kerygmaventures.com/podcast/ Follow and subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41N9SAP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LEIxeo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerygmaventures Watch our "Conversations At The Ranch" series: https://bit.ly/conversations-at-the-ranch Watch our “Dudley's Monthly Message” series: https://bit.ly/dudleys-monthly-message 

"AI, Fake Church, and Traps We Can Fall Into" dives into how pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christians are using tools like ChatGPT, and where it quietly crosses the line into counterfeit spirituality, hollow sermons, and “plastic” discipleship. Dave Leake and guest Jordan Kolarik unpack the tension between convenience and true spiritual formation, asking if AI is short‑circuiting our time in Scripture, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and the call to be authentic, “analog” disciples in a digital age. If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to use AI for devotionals, Bible study, or preaching, this conversation will help you discern the difference between helpful tools and fake church.

Segment 1 • Todd revisits a memorable conversation with John MacArthur and reveals the hymn he struggled to choose as his favorite. • Are pastors neglecting a surprisingly important communication skill that can make biblical preaching more effective? • What encouraging signs are emerging at Grace Community Church following MacArthur's passing? Segment 2 • One church's "What to Expect" page raises bigger questions about what churches are really trying to attract people with. • What happens when churches promise great coffee, entertained kids, and a better family life? • Todd contrasts seeker-sensitive strategies with a long-term vision of generational discipleship and spiritual legacy. Segment 3 • Why are some rapidly growing churches still embracing methods and messages that critics say are spiritually dangerous? • Todd examines recent controversies surrounding Bethel Church and asks whether reform efforts go far enough. • Has the prosperity gospel become far more mainstream than many Christians realize? Segment 4 • A surprising statistic suggests most professing Christians believe God wants them to be financially prosperous. • Would you rather have a larger bank account—or peace, joy, and a clear conscience? • Todd challenges popular assumptions about blessing, wealth, and what true prosperity actually looks like. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

What happens to a debt when it's forgiven?In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked lines in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Drawing from personal devotion and Paul's teaching on the Body of Christ, we wrestle with a simple but profound truth: debt never simply disappears. Someone always absorbs the cost.But what about the debts that can't be measured in dollars? What happens when someone steals your peace, damages your reputation, weakens trust, or leaves emotional wounds behind? How do those debts get paid?We discuss the connection between forgiveness and body life, why unresolved offenses affect more than just the people involved, the difference between restitution and restoration, and why true discipleship requires us to stop justifying our own failures while magnifying the failures of others.At its core, forgiveness is not simply a matter of obedience. It's a matter of faith. Do we trust that when we release what we're owed, God is able to restore what was lost?This conversation will challenge the way you think about forgiveness, responsibility, community, and the transforming power of grace.

Church growth is a gift, but it comes with real challenges. In Acts 6, the early church faced a crisis when rapid growth caused some of its most vulnerable members to be overlooked. Rather than slowing down or shutting the doors, the apostles restructured, delegated responsibility, and built a team capable of caring for everyone. The result was not less growth but more. A healthy church grows relationally, not just numerically, and every believer plays a role in making sure no one slips through the cracks. That means connecting with people you do not know yet, interceding for one another, inviting people into your everyday life, and serving where there is a need. Rest is also part of the equation, because sustainable faithfulness matters more than burning out. The mission has not changed: making disciples who carry the presence of Jesus into every area of life.Support the show

Preached on June 7, 2026 by Pastor Jared KressMain Idea: A crowd of consumers follows Jesus for what He gives, but the twelve stay because of who He is. True discipleship is rooted in enduring relationships, not in miracles or crowds, especially when the bread runs out, and the teaching gets tough. Challenge: Are you following Jesus for the free bread, or are you following Him because He is the Bread of Life? 4 Ways Jesus Cares for His Core 12 Disciples:1. Cares for the Core in the Crowd2. Covers the Core in the Chaos3. Challenges the Crowd for Contrast4. A Choice for the Core to Confirm ---Join us in person Sundays at 10:30am at 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN or online at https://www.kirbywoods.org/live. Follow us online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirbywoodsmemphis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbywoodsmemphis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirbywoodsmemphisPodcast: https://kirbywoodspodcast.buzzsprout.com

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is 'Them Christians' In Antioch: A Recipe For Church Growth From Acts 11:19-30. Sermon Outline - 7 Ingredients Of Antioch's Church Growth So We Can Emulate 'Them': 1. Evangelistic Members (v. 19-20) 2. Energized By God (v. 21) 3. Exemplary Reputation (v. 22) 4. Expanding Numerically (v. 23-24) 5. Equipping The Saints (v. 26a) 6. Enduring Difficulty (v. 26b) 7. Extending Support (v. 29-30)

What if the greatest evangelist in your church isn't the person on stage? In John 4, the Samaritan woman encounters Jesus at a well and everything changes. She wasn't a pastor, theologian, missionary, or Bible scholar. She had a complicated past, a broken reputation, and more questions than answers. Yet after one encounter with Jesus, she became one of the first people in Scripture to bring an entire city to Christ. This powerful message from Pastor Byron Ellis explores how evangelism is not about having all the answers. It's about sharing what Jesus has done in your life. The Samaritan woman teaches us that God loves using ordinary people with imperfect stories to reach others with the Gospel. If you've ever felt unqualified, ashamed, or afraid to talk about your faith, this sermon will encourage you to take your next step in sharing Jesus with the people around you. Your testimony may be the bridge God uses to change someone else's eternity. Keywords: Evangelism, Woman at the Well, Samaritan Woman, How to Share Your Faith, Christian Evangelism, Personal Testimony, John 4, Gospel of John, Soul Winning, Great Commission, Revival, Witnessing, Reaching the Lost, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, Christian Discipleship, Church Growth, Gospel Message, Sharing Jesus, Evangelistic Sermon, Christian Motivation, Faith in Action, Pastor Byron Ellis, Redemption Church, Bible Teaching, Christian YouTube.

Generational curses is a phrase many believers have heard, but what does the Bible actually mean? Are repeated struggles, family patterns, and recurring cycles evidence of spiritual bondage, or could we be misunderstanding the battle itself?In this episode, we explore common misconceptions surrounding generational curses and examine what Scripture says about strongholds, inherited patterns, and the renewing of the mind. We discuss how ways of thinking can become deeply rooted over time, why behaviors are often downstream from beliefs, and why discipleship and Holy Spirit transformation are essential for lasting change.What if we have spent years fighting symptoms while missing the actual battle?

What did first century evangelism actually look like? Was it driven by programs, platforms, and professionals, or something much deeper?In this episode, we unpack key insights from Michael Green's Evangelism in the Early Church and explore how Christianity spread so rapidly across the Roman world without church buildings, modern technology, or centralized systems. We discuss why ordinary believers became the primary missionaries, how households and relationships served as the engine of mission, and why the life of the church itself became one of its strongest apologetics.We also wrestle with challenging questions for today's church. Has mission become something we do rather than something we are? What can we learn from a movement where faith traveled through everyday life, bold conversations, transformed communities, and believers who saw themselves as witnesses wherever they lived, worked, and played?Join us as we explore what it means to recover an everyday missionary mindset and ask whether the church was ever intended to merely have a mission, or whether the church exists because it is a mission.

In this episode of The Mobilized Church Podcast, we tackle one of the most important and misunderstood subjects in modern Christianity: spiritual authority and the role of leadership in the church. In a culture that often swings between rejecting leadership altogether or elevating leaders beyond biblical boundaries, what does healthy, Spirit-led leadership actually look like?Using 1 Corinthians 7 and other key New Testament passages as a framework, we explore how Christ governs His church through delegated spiritual leadership, the difference between authoritarianism and stewardship, and why spiritual leaders are called to more than simply repeat information. We discuss pastoral oversight, doctrinal responsibility, Spirit-led discernment, and the tension between individualism and biblical accountability in the modern church.This conversation is a needed recalibration on leadership, authority, and how the church was designed to function under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

How can the church remain relevant in an age of rising secularism and digital spirituality? What does it take to reach an increasingly unchurched society with authentic faith, love, and power?

We're not just living in a divided world—we're living in a disoriented one. There was a time when people could disagree and still share common reference points for truth, identity, and authority. That's no longer the case.In this episode, we unpack what happens when those anchors collapse. When truth becomes personal and identity is self-defined, it doesn't create freedom—it creates instability. Conversations break down, meaning fragments, and people are left trying to define reality on their own.But this moment isn't just chaotic—it's revealing. When certainty disappears, searching begins. And in a world without reference points, the need for something solid becomes undeniable.

Most church leaders are leading inside a model they never chose and rarely understand. In this episode, Todd Wilson, founder of Exponential, walks through the true history of the modern church: Church Growth, Seeker Sensitive, Attractional, Missional—and what's coming next.  This is the seminary class no one got, but every church leader needs.

This week we'll be studying Acts 13:4-12 under the theme “Blinded by the Truth.” We learn that when the church speaks the truth of Jesus with Paul-like courage, and confronts falsehood head-on, the end result is both opening the eyes of some, while also exposing and disabling the darkness of others.Series Summary: The Book of Acts is a companion volume to The Gospel of Luke. It tells the story of the early Christian Church. For 2000 years, Christian churches have often studied Acts in the weeks following Easter, learning what early Christians did after Jesus' death and resurrection, and contextualizing that lifestyle into modern times. We seek to do the same with our series, “O, Church Arise."Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

In this episode, we break down a practical framework for moving from church activity to real mission through a balanced missional ecosystem. Instead of viewing church as a collection of programs, we explore four connected spaces that help people be encountered, discipled, and ultimately multiplied.We talk through how mission happens in everyday life, how relational environments help people explore faith, and how intentional discipling spaces lead to real transformation. We also highlight the role of gathered worship as a place of encounter and alignment.If you're looking to move beyond busyness and lead people into deeper discipleship and multiplication, this episode offers both clarity and practical direction.

Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. He recently published the book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them. Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Links Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them What to Say When Loved Ones Leave the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong and Joseph Grenny The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong TornByJeffStrong.com Instagram: @tornbyjeffstrong Facebook Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights 00:02:42 – Competing Narratives in Church Growth and Disaffiliation 00:04:22 – Personal Connection to Disaffiliation 00:06:36 – The Journey to Understanding Disaffiliation 00:09:05 – The Role of Data and Personal Experience 00:10:54 – The Complexity of Disaffiliation 00:12:11 – The Challenge of Measuring Disaffiliation 00:15:09 – Research Methodology and Findings 00:17:29 – Understanding the Audience for “Torn” 00:19:30 – The Importance of Accurate Understanding 00:20:36 – Celebrating Strengths While Facing Challenges 00:22:03 – The Impact of Local vs. Global Growth 00:25:41 – The Role of Missionary Work 00:27:06 – The Need for a Balanced Perspective 00:29:26 – The Misconception of Resurgence Among Young People 00:31:03 – The Data on Disaffiliation 00:35:02 – The Four Waves of Disaffiliation 00:40:53 – Wave One: Lifestyle and Depletion 00:43:17 – Personal Anecdote on Depletion and Church Experience 00:44:19 – Wave Two: Doubt and Disbelief 00:46:05 – Wave Three: Cultural and Social Factors 00:48:12 – Wave Four: Institutional Issues 00:50:00 – The Importance of Understanding and Addressing Disaffiliation Key Insights Competing Narratives: The church is experiencing growth in certain areas, such as baptisms and missionary work, but disaffiliation remains a significant concern, with many individuals quietly stepping away from their faith. Personal Connection: Jeff shares his personal journey of grappling with his son’s disaffiliation, highlighting the emotional impact and the need for a deeper understanding of why individuals leave the church. Research Findings: Jeff’s research indicates that approximately 40% of active members have disaffiliated since 2000, with various reasons categorized into “waves,” including lifestyle challenges and deeper faith crises. Cultural Dynamics: The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural pressures within the church that may lead to feelings of depletion rather than spiritual fulfillment for some members. Engagement vs. Disaffiliation: While many active members report strong engagement and purpose, a significant portion of young adults are less affiliated with organized religion, indicating a complex relationship with faith. Leadership Applications Fostering Understanding: Leaders can benefit from understanding the reasons behind disaffiliation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those struggling with their faith. Encouraging Open Dialogue: By promoting open conversations about faith challenges, leaders can help bridge the gap between those who feel fulfilled in their faith and those who are struggling. Addressing Cultural Pressures: Leaders should be aware of the cultural dynamics that may lead to feelings of depletion among members and work to create a more nurturing and understanding community that supports individual spiritual journeys. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Outrage is shaping our culture and even discipling people, often disguised as righteousness. But the Church was never called to carry outrage. We were entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.In this episode, we expose how reaction and intensity can replace true spiritual maturity, and why that undermines mission, disciple-making, and real Kingdom impact. Through 2 Corinthians 5, we return to the assignment of Jesus: not just calling out what is wrong, but participating in God's restoring work.If we are going to be a mobilized Church, we cannot be formed by outrage. We must be formed by the Spirit of Christ.

Former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz opens up about the factors that led to the collapse of his ministry. He discusses the core issues that led to his breach of trust, what it was like to preach while he was having an affair, the relentless pressure of rapid growth, what rehab taught him about addressing core issues, his regrets, and warning signs for church leaders facing the pressure.